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Comment by cultofmetatron | Hacker News Reader

Libraries need to change. most people go to the library to use the computers. what if we expanded the role of libraries to be places for autodidacts to learn and practice new skills? imagine a library full of maker equipment. 3d printers, sewing supplies, wood/metal working equipment. the modest government investment would be paid back 10 fold in the amount of innovation an individual would be able to accoplish.

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That's already the model for a lot of libraries. They are all "learnings commons" now. Sometimes there are "maker spaces" or whatever attached to it, for tool use. They can be next to each other but don't have to me (who wants to study next to a table saw anyway)

I think libraries are adjusting fine to accommodate these needs. Really, the most important building in any educational institution is still the library, even in 2023. What libraries fail (start failing (?)) at is their archival responsibilities. And apparently, from the article, their publishing responsibilities too.

I think libraries function well in their original purpose. When I visit the library the computers are mostly empty and there are lot of people there - reading and browsing books. I think the death of the book is overhyped by people with a vested interest in technology. (Disclaimer: I have a vested interest in technology)

I'm fairly certain that our local library has a 3d printer. They are definitely trying to take on different ways for people to learn and gather information, but wood/metal working equipment seems like it would be a liability nightmare.

That's a good description of what my library does these days. Did a big doubletake at the row of printers the first time I saw 'em. They also lease out bigger tools (I borrowed a leaf blower and a string trimmer) and WiFi hotspots. I borrowed an cheap electronic drum kit (which convinced me to buy my own), and I'm on the waitlist for a steel tongue drum.

The problem for academic libraries is they hold a lot of material that is not readily available online. There is some effort being made to fix that, but it takes time, effort, and money to get archival material online (I've worked on a couple of these projects myself).

My local library is already exactly this. It's great, but they get no credit for it.

That's not a library, that's a workshop, bucko.

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